Fall's arrival brings flu reminder

It's getting to be that time of year when the sudden onset of muscle ache, chills and fever strike millions of Americans, signaling the start of the flu season.

October is traditionally the kick-off month for flu season, according to health experts. While the peak of flu season runs from January to February, local health experts advise everyone to take preventative measures now to ensure they avoid the ill-effects of the flu virus through April, when the flu season generally ends.

Your best defense against the flu is getting a flu shot, according to Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Health Officer.

Vicki Norris, infection preventionist for NorthBay Healthcare agrees.

"If everyone gets the flu vaccine then there will be less chance of it spreading," she said.

Matyas encourages everyone get a flu vaccination this year, but the recommendation is stronger for those over the age of 65, as well as those with respiratory ailments such as asthma and those being treated with chemotherapy for cancer.

Also for those over the age of 55, Matyas recommends a pneumonia vaccine, as the flu virus can lead to pneumonia and prove fatal in some patients.

"It's sort of a back up, if you will," Matyas said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that manufacturers will produce between 146 million and 149 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2012-13 season. During the 2011-12 flu season, 132.8 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed in the United States.

Three kinds of influenza viruses commonly circulate among people today: influenza B viruses, influenza A (H1N1) viruses, and influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Each year, one flu virus of each kind is used to produce seasonal influenza vaccine, according to the CDC.

But getting a flu vaccine isn't all that's necessary when avoiding the flu.

Norris recommends taking a common sense approach at staying healthy this season. That means practicing good hygiene, such as covering your cough and washing hands regularly.

"You just never know what's going to be on those doorknobs and telephones," Norris said.

Matyas takes it a step further, encouraging those to practice "cough etiquette."

Sneeze or cough into your elbow, or a napkin, Matyas advises.

While Solano County typically doesn't offer walk-in flu clinics, they do offer flu clinics for those most in need, such as seniors in nursing homes, Matyas said.

He recommends those seeking a flu shot to see their doctor or take advantage of the growing trend of pharmacies such as Walgreens or CVS Pharmacy, which offer flu shots in-store. Matyas also noted that grocery stores have also picked up on the trend.

"It's inspiring to see how many have picked up that banner." Matyas said.